Bed-spring.



PATBNTED MAY 8, 1906.

E. B. PRESTON.

BED SPRING.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 20.1905,

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Witmaock the framework can be folded over UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDITH B. PRESTON, OF MEXICO, MISSOURI.

BED-SPRING.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, EDITH B. PRESTON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Mexico, in the county of Audrain and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Bed-Springs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in bed-springs, and is designed more particularly for the use of hospitals and similar institutions.

The object of the invention is to produce a device of this character in which each half of upon the opposite half and which will readily permit of the use of an elevator to raise any desired portion of the springs.

With these objects in view it consists, essentially, of a framework the sides of which are formed in sections which are hinged together and of transverse strips connecting the lower ed es of the sides of the framework.

For a full description of the invention and the merits thereof and also to acquire a knowledge of the details of construction of the means for effecting the' result reference is to be had to the following description and accompany ing drawings, in which Figure 1 is a top plan view of my invention, showing it partly in section. Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view. Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view showing the opening in the springs and the ring to which the transverse strips are attached. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the construction of the hinges.

Corresponding and like parts are referred to in the followin description and indicated in all the views of reference characters.

The numerals 1 designate the sides of the framework, which are formed in two approximately equal sections connected by hin es 2. These hinges 2 are so formed as to enab e the sides to fold in both directions. The lower edges of the sides 1 are connected by trans verse metal strips 3, which are pivotally attached to a metal frame or ring 4, located at the center of the framework. The outer ends of these strips 3 are secured by means of coil-springs 10 to bands 8, which pass around the sides 1 of the framework, said bands being so placed that they are adjacent to and on the same side of the hinged joints 2 on opposite sides of the framework. These springs 10 allow the strips 3 to stretch a certaln amount ina longitudinal direction, so that Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed July 20, 1905. Serial No 270,647.

the drawings by the same Patented May 8, 1906.

they do not in any manner interfere with the folding operation. The metal frame or ring 4 is preferably square or rectangular in shape and is allowed to sag a small amount, so that the metal strips 3 are slightly inclined toward the center. The sides of the metal frame 4 are hinged at intermediate points 9 in alinement with the hinges 2 on the outer framework, so that they fold in harmony therewith. The strips 3 are formed with a longitudinal corrugation or groove 5, which is adapted to serve as a guide for the wheels of any suitable form of elevator and enable same to be readily placed under the portion of the springs which it is desired to raise. The wire springs 6 may be made in the usual manner, either ofwoven wire or of coil-springs, and are formed with an opening in the middle thereof which is located directly over the metal frame or ring 4. This opening is normally closed by a hinged section 7 of the springs, the framework surrounding which is hinged at 11, so as to fold with the main framework of the device.

In order to raise any desired portion of the springs, it is simply necessary to remove a section of the mattress and open the hinged portion 7 of the springs, when the elevator can be readily placed upon the metal strips 3 and guided to the required point.

Any suitable form of elevator may be employed, and it may be operated by any suitable means, such as ratchets, cams, or hydraulic power.

It will thus be understood that I have invented an improved form of bed-springs in which one-half can be readily folded upon the other half from either side and which is so constructed as to readily permit of the use of an elevator should it be desired to raise any portion of the springs.

It will also be obvious that instead of the corrugated strips or bars any suitable form of rods may be employed and that owing to the peculiar construction of the frame it has a universal adaptation.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is- 1. A device of the character described comprising a framework in which the sides are formed in two sections which are pivotally connected so that each half of the framework can be folded over on the other half, and transverse metal strips connecting the lower edges of the sides and pivotally joined to a metal ring at the center of the frame.

2. The combination of a framework for bed-springs, and transverse metal strips connecting the lower edges of the opposite sides of the framework, said metal strips being provided with a longitudinal corrugation or groove for the purpose described.

3. A device of the character described comprising a framework, transverse strips connecting the lower edges of the opposite sides and joined to a metal ring at the center of the frame, and s rings connecting the upper edges of the amework, said springs being formed with an opening located directly over the before-mentioned metal ring.

4. A device of the character described comprising a framework the sides of which are made in two sections which are pivotally connected so that each half of the framework can be folded over upon the other half, transverse metal strips connecting the lower edges of the opposite sides of the framework and pivotally connected to a metal rod at the center thereof, and springs joining the upper edges of the sides and formed with an opening located directly over the before-mentioned ring. a

In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature in presence of two witnesses.

EDITH B. PRESTON. Witnesses:

EARL R. FERGUSON, JULIA B. FERGUSON. 

